Russian / Georgian Truce Still Holding -- But Tensions Are Still High

A Russian soldier sits near an armoured personnel vehicle in the Georgian town of Gori,
near South Ossetia, August 14, 2008. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters)

Russia: Georgia Can 'Forget' Regaining Provinces
-- Yahoo News/AP

TBILISI, Georgia - The foreign minister of Russia said Thursday that Georgia could "forget about" getting back its two breakaway provinces, and the former Soviet republic remained on edge as Russia sent tank columns to search out and destroy Georgian military equipment.

Uncertainty about Russia's intentions and back-and-forth charges clouded the conflict two days after Russia and Georgia signaled acceptance of a French-brokered cease-fire, and a week after Georgia's crackdown on the two provinces drew a Russian military response.

Diplomats focused on finalizing a fragile cease-fire between the two nations and clear the way for Russian withdrawal. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was heading Friday for Georgia to press the president to sign the deal.

Georgian officials accused Russia of sending a column of tanks and other armored vehicles toward Kutaisi, the second-largest city in Georgia, then said the convey stopped about 35 miles out.

Read more ....

More News On The Georgian / Russian War

Saakashvili: Russia controls a third of Georgia -- Yahoo News/AP
Georgia's bitter defeat plays out on road to capital -- Yahoo News/McClatchy
Truce between Russia, Georgia flawed, some say -- Yahoo News/AP
Rice to ask Georgia to sign peace deal: Sarkozy -- Yahoo News/Reuters

My Comment: The Russian Army is taking its time leaving .... and when they leave it will be to the two break away provinces of Georgia.